C-Lon Beading Thread

I am often asked what thread I use on the Mirrix Loom. The answer is C-Lon beading thread developed and distributed by Caravan Beads. Why: because it’s the best thread I’ve ever found to use on the Mirrix so I am sticking with it. It doesn’t fray, doesn’t tangle. I don’t have to condition it. It stretches just the right amount and it comes in some of the best colors including the pretty drab neutral ones I do tend to use as loom warp.But let me shed some light on C-Lon because there has been a fair amount of confusion about the difference between C-Lon and S-Lon. I am going to copy the blurb on the Caravan Beads’ website that describes how the two came to pass. I have changed only a few words to make it relevant to this blog.

C-Lon vs. Super-Lon: the world of knock-offs

Caravan Beads began to distribute C-LON® beading thread in 36 colors in December of 2002. Originally it was offered in size D; they later added AA as a second size.

In March of 2005, Beadsmith/Helby announced a “new product”, Super-Lon beading thread. The story, briefly, is that Beadsmith/Helby (apparently using the name M & Y Trading Corp), found and contacted the factory that was then producing C-LON® and persuaded them to sell them identical colors and sizes of thread. That factory was purchased in 2004 by a larger company which now produces the thread.

Those of you familiar with both products will notice that the color names for Super-lon are the same Caravan has always used for C-LON.

Several customers have wondered if it is legal for one company to copy a product that is already being sold by another company. In the case of a product like thread, which can’t be copyrighted or patented, it is completely legal.

Claudia’s note: it may by legal but it sure as heck is not ethical and I would rather pay the same price to the company that developed the thread then to the company who ripped it off.